“The evidence strongly suggests premeditated financial fraud and child endangerment,” she said.

“The police financial crimes unit is taking over the investigation.”

Chapter 18 — The Fatal Misstep

Over the next forty-eight hours, Sarah sent a flurry of messages, and Marcus watched them evolve, in real time, through the whole repertoire of a person losing control.

They began affectionate.

Then they turned demanding.

And finally they turned frantic.

Marcus, we need to talk, one of the last ones read. You’re letting your grief ruin our marriage.